By Steve Sturm – IlliniGuys Football Analyst
January 3, 2026
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
I could get used to finishing a season this way. Illinois finished its second straight 9-win season with its second straight win over an SEC team that it had never beaten before. Not only that, but they did it in what felt a whole lot like a road venue, and they did it while outgaining Tennessee 417 yards to 278 and winning the turnover battle. Without a very fortunate kickoff return and a couple of bad breaks, this is a convincing win over a big-name team.
I’m going to start with defensive highlights this week, as I thought this was our best defensive performance of the year from a scheme standpoint. And this first play was the first eye-opener for me. Most of you are already aware that after Gabe Jacas, Illinois presented very little pass rush this year. So with Jacas sitting out the bowl game, I was assuming Illinois was going to have trouble rushing the passer this year. However, the staff used the time off well and dialed up several blitzes that had Tennessee scratching its collective heads. Tennessee’s offense was sacked 22 times this season and threw 437 passes, yet suffered 4 sacks and threw the ball 18 times in the bowl game. And none of them were flukes. I’d have slapped you if you told me that was going to happen.
On this first play, Illinois has its best three pass rushers on the line in the game with Durojaiye, Thompson and Lowery.